Chapter 146: Palace (2) (1/2)

Chapter 146. Palace (2)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

Ishakan’s spacious room had an incredible structure, with arched doorways covered in translucent curtains separating the rooms. If the ropes tying the curtains back had been undone, all the antechambers would have been hidden.

Laying Leah in an armchair near the bed, Ishakan only removed her outer robe, which was heavy with sand. She leaned back on the arabesque-patterned cushions and suddenly remembered the moment when she had first seen him in the palace in Estia. She also remembered how out of place he had looked.

The man who had not fit very well in delicate Estia was perfectly at home in Kurkan. The palace was elegant, magnificent, and refreshing, truly a place for Ishakan. Whereas here, Leah’s was the strange presence. She bit her lip.

She wondered what was happening in Estia now.

Though she had arrived in the Kurkan palace after crossing the whole desert, a corner of her heart was still tied to Estia. Her feelings for her homeland hung over her like a shadow. No matter how much the light shone, it would not disappear, and at the least prompting it loomed darker, strengthening its presence.

It made her think of her nightmare. The sensation of shackles around her ankles was still vivid. Maybe that was reality. This place, this happy dream, was an illusion.

—Have you ever strangled someone you love?

Cerdina’s smiling whispers echoed in her ears, and suddenly there was a sharp pain in her head and her breathing was ragged. A warm hand touched her forehead.

“Leah.”

Leah squeezed her eyes shut. Slowly, her racing heart calmed down.

“Ishakan, I…” His hand lowered as she opened her eyes and stared at him, “…I’m still under spells. So at least stay away until I finish the treatment…”

His eyes narrowed, and Leah fell silent at the displeasure in his face.

“It takes time to remove the spells. I’m guessing it will take at least ten years to finish the treatment,” he said.

Ten years. The number made her jaw drop.

“It was hard to kidnap the bride, and now I have to leave her alone for ten years?” Before she could answer, Ishakan began to undress her. “You always think too much.”

Surprised, Leah tried to resist.

“Hey, wait…!”